Olivia Arnoult

(l-r) Carolyn Swinton, CNO, Latonia Manigo, Olivia Arnoult and Melissa Richardson, DAISY Nurses.

On 2/26/2011, I was watching my grandson play in a basketball game at Riverland Hills Baptist Church and out of nowhere I felt dizzy.  For me, one second I was feeling faint and the next I was looking up from the floor at my wife and an EMS tech wondering what had happened.   Plenty had happened!!!

Most importantly, Olivia Arnoult, my guardian angel, jumped into action!!  Of course I don’t remember any of this, but my wife said Olivia took over and began checking my vital signs and determined I was in cardiac arrest.  She began performing CPR while another angel began mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.   While all of this was going on her husband, Chris, another angel (can you believe how lucky I am!!!) located a portable defibrillator and connected it to me.

Once the defibrillator performed its analysis, it abruptly brought me back into this world!  I had no idea what had just happened.  In fact, I actually thought I was going to be able to get up and walk out of the gym!  Once what had really happened was explained to me, I later realized that God knew my heart needed some help and proceeded to line everything up perfectly!!  You know, we all want to control what goes on in our lives, but those of us who believe, realize God is really in control.

I am so thankful to Olivia, her husband and the other person who came to my assistance.  As bad as things seem in the news, those three make me realize that God has put a lot of well trained loving angels all around the world.

My experience at Palmetto Health Richland was great.  All of the employees who assisted me were caring and seemed genuinely concerned about my wellness.   But, please make sure Olivia gets some special recognition for her compassionate, skilled and selfless assistance to me and my family.  She not only uses her knowledge and skills at work but outside of work as well.   My family and I will never forget her loving support.  Palmetto Health Richland is lucky to have Olivia on their team.